Tag Archives: the-netherlands

It surprises me actually that it’s not so well known that for many people around the world, it’s possible to have free health insurance whilst traveling. But I guess, who is going to tell us? Definitely not the travel agents since they make a whopping huge commission (sometimes 60% of the cost) from selling you private health insurance/ travel insurance.

Yes there are a lot more things travel insurance can cover you for than just health care, but usually health care is the biggest expense.

So it might surprise or even shock you to know that high quality, free health insurance is available for travelers in certain countries. There are three options I will tell you about, the first is a very unknown reciprocal agreement between a certain group of countries worldwide, and the second is a more well known one available to all European Union citizens who travel to other E.U. countries. The third option is for everyone else.

This tip is not just about saving money whilst traveling – because often we budget travelers can make the mistake of saving as much money as possible whilst going to a city, but not really fully allowing ourselves to experience the place. This tip is unique in that it allows you to do both – save money AND get a thorough experience of the city. And the great news is that you can do it in most major cities in Europe. Scroll down to see the cities (the pictures) where you can use this tip and also to find out exactly what this awesome bit of information actually is!

I first got interested in teaching English overseas when I got sick of my 9-5 job in Australia, and wanted something more from life. I didn’t want to waste away behind a desk doing stuff which didn’t feel meaningful at all. I did some research and found a good, cheap online TEFL school.

(If you want to skip my adventures and get straight to the info about how to teach English abroad, scroll straight to the bottom of the article)

After that I set off into the Middle East, with my first stop being Egypt. Although Egypt had some amazing ancient artifacts, Cairo was the ugliest, most stressful city I had (and still now 3 years later) ever been to. The only nice part of the city were the pyramids. Overall it is worth going to Egypt and you can check out the cheap but good quality accommodation options for Egypt here (check out the ratings on the left)

Flickr: Ed Yourdon

After Egypt I crossed the port to Jordan – which was slightly nicer looking but had truly amazing people – in fact the people I met there and Syria I have considered the most warmest unbelievably selfless people I have ever met. If you are in the region I truly recommend visiting Petra – it’s one of the most amazing, most preserved Ancient Cities that exist – it’s not just the

photo below – it’s much more – it really is an entire city still preserved (by the way, I recommend keeping away from a Hostel called Valentine’s Inn – the owners are slightly/completely insane).

Flikr betta design

It is also in Jordan (in the capital Amman) where I stayed for a month and taught English to Palestinian and Iraqi refugee children (who had to leave their homes and families in Iraq due to the American military’s invasion and later occupation for oil). It was amazing how well behaved and eager to learn these kids were – despite having lost so much.

After that I traveled through Syria, Israel, and beautiful Turkey – Istanbul – which is still my favourite city (along with Belgrade). It’s quiet easy to get a job in Istanbul as a native English speaker – there are many language schools. Make sure you have your copy of your TEFL certificate and don’t go for the first offer, see which one pays best – know that the schools charge the students a small fortune to have lessons with you (a native English speaker “wow”) – so make sure you are getting your fair share of it. The schools will also help you get your visa for working.

Looking for an insanely wild party? Looking for a few? Want some stories you’ll brag about to your friends for years to come? Don’t miss out on the Top 10 Wildest Electro-House Music Festivals on Earth.

10. Monegros, Spain (July 2011)

Around 40,000 people inundate this place from all over the world to party hard to the international talent that come to perform here every year.